Milan is one of Italy’s major cities, but isn’t necessarily a city that travelers run to when traveling the country. Milan is Italy’s financial center and likewise one of the important fashion capitals of the world. Those things add up to fantastic high-end shopping and classy night life, but they don’t do much good for the backpackers. Milan decidedly has some attractive sights and tons of history, but unless you are really a fashion person there could be better options for those doing a short tour of Italy.

What To Do in Milan Italy

Comparable to so many other European cities, the main attractive force here is the old cathedral. The Duomo, as it’s called, is a wide Gothic church that was made first in the late 14th Century. You can reach the roof for incredible sights of not only the city, but of the spires on top of the construction as well. Referring to shopping, the Galleria Vittorio Emmanuale is just looking at Duomo Square and this main indoor center is an attraction unto itself.

The well known painting The Last Supper was painted into a wall in a convent here, but it’s not in the shape it used to be in. Da Vinci’s masterpiece dates from 1495 and is intriguing to witness face to face, but you must attain bookings way ahead to get in. In addition to fashion, Milan is known for its known football (socer) teams. AC Milan and Inter play at a stadium known as San Siro and tickets are from time to time obtainable on game day or at least by scalpers out front.

Getting in Milan Italy

Milan is well located on the train lines so it’s a popular stop for Eurail Pass bearers or anyone else passing across northern Italy. If coming up from further away than next entrance you’ll want to book a flight into Malpensa airport (code: MXP). This is the largest of three airports and the most common for longer flights. Also check Linate Airport (code: LIN) and Orio al Serio Airport (code: BGY) as each accommodates some regional and low-cost carrier traffic.

Where To Stay in Milan Italy

The center of Milan is fairly compressed and the public transportation system is solid. Since this is a commercial city occasionally things will be reserved up at unplanned times so plan ahead. There are various hostels in Milan and the usual assortment of hotels in Milan as well. Finding a cheap bed might be more difficult than getting one at one of the hotels in Rome, but if you start your preparation in advance enough you should have no problems. Prices tend to be very high for the business-oriented sites, but throughout slow times of year these same rooms can be very cheap.